Our country strives on being the best. Whether that is through our knowledge or abilities, the United States is built upon superiorism. But what happens when we reevaluate ourselves and neither our knowledge or abilities matches our standards? What happens when our standards aren’t as high as they use to be? Or how about when the realization comes about, that it is in fact, our knowledge that determines our abilities?
When this happens, or should I say, when this did happen… we tripped and couldn’t reestablish our footing. What’s in our favor is that once tripped, the only next step is to get up. But how long it takes us to get up is solely determined by us.
Within the last decade alone our education system has fallen through the cracks. Our neighboring countries are now leaps and bounds beyond us, because they, unlike us, have continually strengthened their education system and never ceased for mediocrity.
The United States finally realizes that we have fallen behind but it seems like we don’t know what to do about it. We have attempted at our own solutions but they end up creating a new and different problem. Each solution comes with new rules and regulations which in turn does exactly what it is meant to do… rule and regulate. But are rules and regulations what our education system needs? No! Our education system needs to further investigate the root of our problem and find a solution for the root, not just the branches of the problem.
In the book, “The Smartest Kids in the World” by Amanda Ripley, the reader gets an inside look into how other countries run their education programs. We get to see their ups and downs. Now why is this important? It’s important because through this little book, we have the chance to not just stick our noses up and think we are better, but to learn from the other countries mistakes, get a deeper understanding of why they are the way they are, and how they got that way. Amanda Ripley introduces us to three kids, Kim, Eric, and Tom. These three kids adventure into three different countries, Finland, South Korea, and Poland, to embark to see what it is like living where the education is top notch. Throughout the book the reader is slowly but surely unraveling what the root problem is for the United States education system. In all three of these countries, we quickly see one main difference… the kids. The kids in these three top scoring countries all have one thing in common, their grit. The kids care and work hard toward their schooling. While reading, it was clear that our students are very different than these other countries but why we weren’t so sure. After getting an even deeper understanding, some solutions started to unravel. Yes, the child is the only one who determines how good their education is. But even saying that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth because I know how much circumstances can alter that ability.
If we want our education system to thrive, we must act now. We must think of every circumstance that could be eliminating our students grit and willingness to learn and find a way to prevent it. I suggest that we model these countries with their intense teaching preparation programs. We need good teachers. Teachers who not only understand the art of teaching but teachers who understand students. Teachers who don’t mistake empathy and sympathy within the classroom. Teachers who continually act in a way that they would expect from their students. And lastly, teachers who's main objective isn’t to get the student to barely pass, but teachers who thirst for their students to grow above and beyond the standards.
Aside from preparing better teachers, I suggest that we create a better environment to learn in. The United States has schools with white walls, cold hallways, and uncomfortable desks. We have schools that only give a few minutes to get from class to class. I believe we should learn from Finland and give students more time between classes and allow them a nicer, calmer learning place. If we could create a place where students had time to recollect themselves and allow a mental break, not only would attendance be higher but students would be happier which would then spiral into a greater love for learning which then turns to grit. Sure, it is a long process, but it is worth it. The environment alone makes a huge difference.
These are simply places where we could start. I don’t have all the answers. I don’t believe anyone has all the answers. This is a problem that will take time and determination but it is possible to eventually solve. Besides the two solutions that I gave, my main advice would be to learn from others with an open mind. And what a better way to start then by reading this book?
No comments:
Post a Comment